Pep Guardiola issues stern defence of Nico Gonzalez after costly AS Monaco mistake | OneFootball

Nico Gonzalez has received a passionate showing of support from Pep Guardiola this week following his costly error against AS Monaco on Wednesday night.

The Spaniard was introduced in place of Rodri during the second half of the Champions League draw, but it was his clumsy challenge that led to Eric Dier’s late penalty equaliser at the Stade Louis II.

The mistake sparked some debate among fans online over Pep Guardiola’s decision to substitute arguably his most important midfielder and whether Gonzalez is ready to take on such responsibility in decisive moments.

It was not the only time Guardiola has been quizzed on the balance between protecting Rodri and easing Gonzalez into life at Manchester City, with the boss snapping back at suggestions that the equaliser arrived solely because of the change.

Instead, Guardiola has consistently highlighted Rodri’s fitness concerns and stressed the need to manage his minutes carefully across a demanding season. The episode has also added to the wider discussion around City’s evolution, as new arrivals such as Gonzalez have been handed responsibility in a squad that is adjusting to fresh dynamics.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference duties ahead of the clash with Brentford this weekend, Pep Guardiola was quizzed on Nico’s development, and his recent performances for Manchester City.

“Against Burnley, he was much better [than against Huddersfield] but of course, he can do better. But he’s so young. It’s not Rodri, with many years together,” Guardiola pointed out.

The Manchester City boss continued, “Not even one year together in a tough period and there are many things that step by step, he’s going to take it. Because he’s open-minded, he’s incredibly coachable – not all players are – from my experience as a manager.”

Guardiola was further asked for his thoughts on the difficulty of being Rodri’s understudy having been signed for a lot of money by the club, to which he said, “Thank you for that subject, that we spend a lot of money at Manchester City. That’s good.”

Further praising Nico and defending the Spaniard’s difficulties on occasions, Guardiola added, “He’s so young and of course, even when Rodri started his first season at Man City, he struggled. It’s normal.

“When the player comes into a new environment and new things, you need a process to understand things. But Nico is Nico, he will improve a lot. He can even play more forward.

“Nico, in his early ages in the Barcelona academy, played as a more attacking midfielder. It has to be Nico.”

Looking forward, Pep Guardiola’s trust in Gonzalez could prove crucial, with the City boss having already stressed that Rodri cannot play 90 minutes every three days, and the Spaniard’s knee concerns earlier this season underline the importance of a capable deputy.

Nico Gonzalez’s ability to adapt both as a holding midfielder and further forward could yet provide Manchester City with tactical flexibility in domestic and European competition.

For supporters, patience will be key with Pep Guardiola drawing parallels with Rodri’s own adaptation period after arriving from Atlético Madrid, suggesting that the path for Gonzalez will be similar.

With Brentford next on the schedule, and the Champions League finely balanced in its early stages, opportunities will continue to come. Whether Gonzalez can turn Pep Guardiola’s words into performances may determine not only his own future at City, but also the depth of the squad’s title ambitions this season.